The UK power grid is prepared for the expected surge in electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Several companies are testing plug-in hybrids in the area including smart and MINI. The positive news about the British power grid comes after a research study by Ricardo UK Ltd, Jaguar-Land Rover, E.ON and Amberjac Project.

“The study marks completion of the first stage of the REHEV project and has focused on a range of vehicle charging scenarios and levels of market penetration in order to predict the likely increase in national energy usage. Four vehicle fleet charging scenarios were simulated, comprising uncontrolled domestic charging, uncontrolled off-peak domestic charging, ’smart’ domestic charging and uncontrolled public charging throughout the day - for example, by commuters who recharge their vehicles while at work. Charging was assumed to be single phase AC as this is the most likely near-term solution, but the study also considered fast charging scenarios as for a large number of vehicles the energy demanded over a time period is likely to be the same and distributed evenly.” (Source: PR Newswire)

The State of California is also preparing for the likely surge in the next few years. For more on that state’s readiness, read California Prepares for Plug-Ins.

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Filed Under: electric cars, electric vehicles

After 1,445 miles, the Ford Fusion Hybrid that was used in Ford’s 1,000-mile challenge finally ran out of gas. Over the course of the non-stop driving trip, the Fusion Hybrid was able to attain an average 81.5 mpg.

The challenge team, which included NASCAR star Carl Edwards, high mileage trailblazer Wayne Gerdes and several Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) engineers, raised more than $8,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) by exceeding the goal of 1,000 miles on a single tank of gas. The Fusion Hybrid’s official estimated range is approximately 700 miles per tank.

The hypermiling techniques used during the trek were detailed in Monday’s post - Fusion Hybrid Breaks 1,000 Mile Mark. Although the seven-person team was able to attain the 81.5 MPG average, the official EPA city fuel efficiency rating on the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is 41 mpg.

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The Tesla Model S will be on display in New York City on 4/30 and 5/1/09; additionally, the vehicle will make an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman. Sales representatives from Tesla will be on site at the famed The Plaza Hotel with the Model S. If you are interesting in finding out more about the vehicle, or want to place a reservation, the sales staff will be able to assist you.

Additionally, the Model S is going to make an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman. Details about the appearance were included in a newsletter by Elon Musk of Tesla.

“Conventional cars and hybrids, which produce CO2 emissions, are not allowed in drivable form on the Late Show set due to strict emission regulations. The prohibition of internal combustion engine cars is an ironic twist, seeing as Dave is a passionate car enthusiast who loves to wax about his favorite vehicles – but hey, it’s a great opportunity for the Model S. I’ll be on the show along with the car, and I am looking forward to a lively conversation with Dave, a fellow sports car aficionado and Tesla fan. Please tune in on your local affiliate station to see this historic event.”

Although the Model S was just revealed a short time ago, Tesla has already secured approximately 900 reservations for the vehicle, which is expected to be available in 2012. For only a $5,000 refundable fee, you can register to own a Tesla Model S online.

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Last week, I reported on Ford’s 1,000-mile challenge in which a Ford Fusion Hybrid driving team was hoping to drive more then 1,000 miles on a single tank of gas. Well, as of 9:08 am this morning, they have reached their goal. NASCAR driver Carl Edwards was behind the wheel when the vehicle reached the 1,000-mile mark. The vehicle averaged over 80 miles per gallon during the first 47 hours of the challenge.

Mileage-maximizing techniques that the Ford team used and recommend to consumers include:

• Slowing down and maintaining even throttle pressure;
• Gradually accelerating and smoothly braking;
• Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles and anticipating traffic conditions;
• Coasting up to red lights and stop signs to avoid fuel waste and brake wear;
• Minimize use of heater and air conditioning to reduce the load on the engine;
• Close windows at high speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag;
• Applying the “Pulse and Glide” technique while maintaining the flow of traffic;
• Minimize excessive engine workload by using the vehicle’s kinetic forward motion to climb hills, and use downhill momentum to build speed; and
• Avoiding bumps and potholes that can reduce momentum

Congratulations to the Ford 1,000 Mile Challenge team!

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The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid was recently listed on KBB’s Top Green Cars for 2009 list. The vehicle has been making headlines over the past few months – from the 41-mpg fuel efficiency rating to problems with the battery supplier. Now, the vehicle is making news again – this time as part of the 1,000-mile challenge.

“The 1,000-Mile Challenge starts at around 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, from Mount Vernon, Va., and ends the morning of Monday, April 27, in Washington, D.C. The team will drive for more than 43 hours continuously to reach the 1,000-mile goal. The drivers will do stints of between two and three hours each and will have regular breaks to ensure safe driving is maintained. Already rated as the most fuel-efficient, mid-sized sedan in America, the Fusion Hybrid will need to average at least 57 mpg to achieve its goal. During preliminary testing in preparation for this challenge, Ford engineers have reached as much as 70 mpg in the Fusion Hybrid by using Eco-Driving techniques.” (Source: PR Newswire)

This isn’t a specially modified Fusion Hybrid, there are no upgrades or tweaks made on the vehicle and it will run on standard 87 octane gas. The trip will help raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

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Pricing for the 50 mpg (combined) 2010 Toyota Prius has just been announced. The base model (Prius I) starts at $21,000. However, the Prius I won’t be available during the initial launch. The Prius II is $22,000, Prius III is $23,000, Prius IV is $25,800, and the top of the line Prius V is $27,270.

In addition, there are several different optional packages available including the Navigation Package ($1,800), Solar Roof Package ($3,600), and an Advanced Technology Package ($4,500).

“All Prius models offer Toyota’s Star Safety System(TM) as standard equipment, which includes enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) Systems, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Other standard features include electric power steering and four-wheel disc brakes.” (Source: PR Newswire)

The 2010 Toyota Prius, which made the list of KBB’s Top 10 Green Cars, will be available late next month.

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Kelley Blue Book (aka KBB) has released their list of the Top 10 Green Cars for 2009. Surprise, surprise – the Toyota Prius comes out on top. With its combined 50 mpg rating, it comes in well ahead of the closest competition – the 2010 Honda Insight.

KBB.com’s 2009 Top 10 Green Cars

2010 Toyota Prius – 51 mpg City, 48 mpg Highway, 50 mpg Combined

2010 Honda Insight – 40 mpg City, 43 mpg Highway, 41 mpg Combined

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid – 41 mpg City, 36 mpg Highway, 39 mpg Combined

2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI – 30 mpg City, 41 mpg Highway, 34 mpg Combined

2009 MINI Cooper - 28 mpg City, 37 mpg Highway, 32 mpg Combined

2009 Ford Escape Hybrid – 34 mpg City, 31 mpg Highway, 32 mpg Combined

2009 Honda Fit – 28 mpg City, 34 mpg Highway, 31 mpg Combined

2009 BMW 335d – 23 mpg City, 36 mpg Highway, 27 mpg Combined

2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid – 27 mpg City, 25 mpg Highway, 26 mpg Combined

2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid – 21 mpg City, 22 mpg Highway, 21 mpg Combined

I do like seeing a variety of vehicles on the list – from the traditional high mpg hybrids to the small subcompacts and even a full-size pickup truck. If you’re in a business that requires a full size truck, the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid may just fit the bill.

To read the editorial commentary on each of the vehicles, read the press release.

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“Fill Up Your Tank Every Other Month”, how’s that for a teaser title? It may not be that far off if the results of the Shell Eco-marathon Americas give us a true glimpse into the future of fuel efficiency.

“Distance, not speed, was the goal this weekend on the track at the 2009 Shell Eco-marathon Americas(R), a challenge for students to design, build and test fuel-efficient vehicles that travel the farthest distance using the least amount of fuel. This year, more than 500 students from North and South America were on hand to stretch the boundaries of fuel efficiency. So who came out on top? The student team from Laval University, with an astonishing 2,757.1 miles per gallon, equivalent to 1,172.2 kilometres per liter, won the grand prize in the “Prototype” category. And in the “UrbanConcept” category - new to the Americas event this year - the team from Mater Dei High School took the grand prize by achieving 433.3 mpg, equivalent to 184.2 km/l.” (Source: PR Newswire)

Last year, Mater Dei High School demonstrated a 2,843 mpg score in the prototype category. This is great because these are the auto engineers of the future. Who knows if these will be achievable in a mass-produced vehicle in my lifetime but with innovative youth working on the project now, one can only hope.

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Earth Day is coming up (April 22) and to celebrate the day, students from one Illinois school will get to ride a state-of-the-art hybrid school bus to and from school. Hybrid school buses aren’t just good for the environment, they’re good for the students who ride it every day. The idling bus fills the surrounding air with exhaust fumes and the students breathe that at every stop sign and stop light.

“The new hybrid school bus gets up to 13 mpg, making it twice as efficient and cost-effective as a diesel-powered bus. Typically, a hybrid school bus emits 40% less carbon dioxide, which scientists closely link to global warming. Similarly, it reduces smog-creating nitrogen oxides by an average of 20% and typically reduces particulate matter, that once inhaled can affect the heart and lungs and cause serious health effects, by 30%.” (Source: PR Newswire)

The bus is one of only 25 hybrid school buses in the nation and the first in the state of Illinois. The bus has a life-expectancy of 12 years which is similar to that of a non-hybrid school bus.

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I receive hundreds of auto-related press releases a day and this one saddened me. The title of the release is: U.S. Vehicle Consumers Remain Unwilling to Sacrifice Current Priorities in Vehicle Purchases for Fuel Efficiency.

The title really says it all, I think that the results of the study would have been a bit different if it was done last summer when people were combining trips, carpooling, etc to avoid filling up for $4+ per gallon. Now that gas is under $2/gallon in most places across the United States, the vast majority of consumers aren’t concerned about fuel efficiency. Only 10% of those surveyed would pay more for an environmentally friendly vehicle.

“According to Strategic Vision research, out of 124 attributes cited by consumers for their next vehicle purchase, overall environmental friendliness of the vehicle ranked 53rd, emissions controls ranked 87th, fuel economy/good mileage ranked 120th and fuel efficiency ranked last at 124th.” Source: PR Newswire

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